Written by:
Media Release
Aston Martin’s elegant new four-door sports car, the Rapide, will have its North American debut at an exclusive cocktail party at the hip SLS hotel in Beverly Hills on Nov. 11.
The first production Aston Martin Rapide four-door sedan will be introduced to North America at a cocktail party. (Photo: Aston Martin)
ยป More Photos
Following this, potential customers will be able to get a sneak preview of the first production Rapide as it makes a seven-city tour of the United States before returning to England. The Rapide, first shown in concept form at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, will travel this winter between Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Charlotte, Palm Beach and Dallas.
Combining sports-car performance with four-door functionality, the Rapide encapsulates the brand’s core values of power, beauty and soul.
“Rapide is the culmination of the Aston Martin range of sports cars, a car that seals the revival of a truly admired marquee,” said Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin CEO. “There is now an Aston Martin for every taste and for every use.”
Rapide is powered by a 6-liter V12 engine producing 470 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. A specifically tuned six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic allows the driver to change gears automatically or manually via steering column-mounted paddles.
Four “swan wing” doors provide access to cosseting hand-trimmed sports seats both front and rear.
“Like a race horse standing still, you can see its power and elegance, the shape of Rapide’s rear haunches are muscular conveying the power that lies beneath while its low stance produces a powerful look,” said design director Marek Reichman.
“There is a real sense of proportion with this car, akin to a tailored suit; the new double grill gives more presence on the road while the iconic signature side strake has been lengthened through to the rear doors to enhance its lateral proportions in a subtle, yet elegant way. The car’s purity makes it look right from every angle.”
The Rapide will retail from around $200,000 with first deliveries expected in spring 2010 across Aston Martin’s 36 North American dealerships.
